Multi-Mission Operations of Small Science Satellites at the German Space Operations Center (GSOC)

Abstract

A generic multi-mission environment for simultaneously operating the Earth science satellites CHAMP, BIRD, GRACE 1 and GRACE 2 from a single control room by a multi-mission team was developed at GSOC and has been successfully implemented over the last couple of years. The efficiency of such an operational approach and numerous other tangible benefits appear to be relevant for a wide range of different operational facilities, which face increasing budgetary constraints while demands in terms of operations complexity and reliability are steadily increasing. The multi-mission control room personnel at GSOC comprises several groups of DLR mission specialists whose expertise is developed in specific lines of past, current and future missions in order to transfer valuable operations heritage. These groups are supplemented by a round-theclock multi-mission support team, which performs the routine tasks and is also capable, for example, to prepare and perform various analytical tasks during peak work periods. This approach assures a permanent readiness and allows the execution of less time critical tasks during normal working hours. Consequently, a sophisticated personnel management approach together with a novel control room design and innovative technical management measures are central elements of multi-mission operations at GSOC. All missions at GSOC are using a common user interface and are usually employing the DLR-owned ground stations in Weilheim and Neustrelitz (both in Germany) for routine contacts, whereas additional stations are requested on a case-to-case basis from other agencies or commercial providers. A common core system with mission-related adaptations is used for multi-mission telemetry and command processing, but migration to an integrated new system (SCOS 2000) is in progress. In order to achieve an adequate level of reliability for all missions, work has lately focused on improving the routine configuration control, which is developed in permanent interaction between the missions. The overall multi-mission concept at GSOC satisfies the individual needs of the serviced projects and is sufficiently flexible for the implementation of new missions. IAC-03-IAA.11.2.01